Swarm of Bees Injures Tourists at Sinhagad Fort; Entry Temporarily Halted

Several visitors were stung and injured by an agitated swarm of bees at Sinhagad Fort in Pune, causing panic and prompting authorities to temporarily close access to the historic site.

Pune, March 9, 2026: A bee attack at the popular heritage site of Sinhagad Fort in Pune district on Sunday afternoon left multiple tourists injured and led officials to briefly suspend entry for safety reasons. The incident occurred around 3.30 pm on March 8, when a swarm of bees was disturbed on the fort premises, triggering a sudden and aggressive attack on visitors.

Forest department personnel and disaster management teams were alerted immediately after the bees became agitated, believed to be set off when curious tourists reportedly threw stones at nearby beehives located near the historic structure’s ramparts. The disturbance caused the insects to swarm down into crowded areas where families and hikers were present, resulting in several people being stung.

At least five to six visitors, including a one‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old toddler, were injured in the attack. Those affected were swiftly taken down from the fort by rescue volunteers and forest staff and transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Among the seriously injured was a senior visitor from Bhosari who required further treatment after initial care at the primary health centre in Khanapur.

Local guards from the Archaeological Department and volunteers from disaster management teams worked together to disperse the bees by creating smoke, helping to bring the situation under control. Authorities evacuated tourists from the fort as a precaution and temporarily shut toll points on the Sinhagad Ghat road to prevent further movement and disturbance until the bee activity subsided.

The sudden incident rattled many visitors and highlighted the risks associated with wildlife encounters at popular trekking and tourist destinations, particularly during summer months when bee activity can increase. Forest officials responded promptly and assured that regular assessments of wildlife hazards would be carried out to enhance visitor safety.

After local authorities monitored the situation and confirmed that the bee swarm had settled, the temporary closure was lifted and normal entry resumed. However, authorities are likely to consider additional safety measures or warning signs in areas where beehives are present to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Incidents like these underscore the importance of respecting natural habitats and avoiding actions that could provoke wildlife, such as disturbing hives or making excessive noise near sensitive areas. The forest department’s quick response minimized the overall impact, but visitors are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines while exploring forested and heritage areas.

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